The Humble Hobbyist vol.23

2-year newsletter anniversary, new sourdough recipe, and training for a half-marathon!

Jul 11, 2025

Happy 2-year anniversary to The Humble Hobbyist! 🥳

I started this newsletter to share the hobbies I’d picked up as I embarked on spending less time glued to my phone and over the last 2 years my life has changed so much it’s nearly unrecognizable.

I won’t say that quitting social media deserves all of the credit but it was certainly a catalyst for being more present, learning new things, deepening connections with myself and others, getting curious, reducing the noise and anxiety, creating meaningful real life experiences and memories, and so much more.

Some of my fav newsletter editions:

vol.8: Art Camp goes to Europe!
vol.18: I guess you could say I’m officially a running girlie! The perfect vest, a hat to keep me warm, and delicious brownies.
vol.3: Knitting victories, handmade gifts, and baby's first heirloom!
vol.10: Let It Snow 🎶 and Christmas gift knitting

Baking

After getting a handle on making a consistently good sourdough loaf, I thought to try 1) a new recipe, and 2) some sourdough art (I was timid when making my cuts).

Left to right: cheddar jalapeño sourdough loaf, and sourdough loaf with a leaf motif

For the new recipe I went with cheddar jalapeño which I wasn’t even sure I’d like but it was tasty!

As you can tell, once I cut into the cheddar jalapeño loaf, I realized that my mix-ins weren’t consistent throughout the loaf. Some slices had nearly no ingredients while others had plenty. Next time I’ll incorporate the ingredients earlier on during my stretch & fold process to ensure they’re more evenly distributed.

Knitting

Both sleeves completed on Jacket No. 2, onto finishing the body!

Sewing

I sewed these pants a few months ago and finally got to wear them BUT what makes this outfit even more special is that the t-shirt features my wife’s art 🥰.

Datrianna designed the t-shirts in partnership with the Kehrein Center for the Arts Foundation and I couldn’t be more proud and excited to wear her work! Go bae 🫶🏽

Me wearing a t-shirt designed by Datrianna, and pants made my me

You’ll be seeing me in these t-shirts all summer 🌞

Running

I’ve been bitten by the running bug and have begun training for a half-marathon (13.1 miles) in September! 🏃🏽‍♀️🤯

Using the Runna app, I follow a 13-week long, 6-day per week, training schedule that entails easy, long, and temp runs as well as strength building exercises.

Two weeks in and I feel stronger and braver, though I still have moments of doubt. After super tough runs I ask myself, “Can I do this? Is this worth the pain and effort?” On days like this it’s important for me to keep things in perspective so I record a video diary that I can reflect on from time-to-time.

Running longer distances in this summer heat requires me to prepare a little differently so here’s some gear I’ve invested in recently:

Hydration vest to keep water on hand + hold all of my stuff
Sunnies to protect my eyes
Gels + electrolytes to keep fueled and replenished

Although it’s a tough process, I’ve really enjoyed learning so much about running and what my body is capable of. I’m pushing my mind and body to new limits and they amaze me every time.

I hope you’ll be cheering me on in September 😊

Thank you all so much for rocking with me the past 2 years, keeping me encouraged, and continuing to support my growth!

I hope I’ve inspired you to try something new over the years; it’s time to get busy living! You deserve to make yourself proud ✨

✌🏾TGM

The Humble Hobbyist